The terrorist teenager, who was arrested for the second time in early November for IS propaganda, was able to become radicalized again due to negligent authorities and miserable cooperation. The reason for this is the lack of resources. The organization DERAD exposes Austria’s gaps in its de-radicalization concept.
People imprisoned for terrorist activities generally do not remain in prison permanently. Great hopes are placed on deradicalization measures, some of which are carried out in prison, to reintegrate those affected into society. In the case of the “terrorist teenager” – reports krone.at – the DERAD organization describes enormous problems in its work: money is missing everywhere, the relationship with the judiciary and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is difficult, and signs of renewed radicalization have been reported and are being completely ignored.
No consequences after finding IS symbols
The events surrounding 18-year-old Ali K. clearly show the chronology of failures. He has been in custody for three weeks on suspicion of spreading IS propaganda – for the second time. Last year he also planned an attack on Vienna’s main station, but ultimately lost courage.
During his previous captivity, there were already signs of renewed radicalization, as confirmed by the Ministry of Justice (BMJ) to krone.at when IS symbols were found in his cell during his captivity. The BMJ even submitted a standard report to the Public Prosecution Service and a report to the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence. Implications? There was nothing for 18-year-old Ali K.
As early as mid-November, DERAD stated in response to a request from krone.at that they “didn’t understand why Ali K. was released again.” From the beginning of July to the end of September, seven meetings took place with the then young man. There was also a lawsuit over Ali K’s release to the shared apartment for rehabilitation. Despite reports of Ali K’s renewed radicalization, he was released to the WOBES residential community for rehabilitation.
DERAD complains about the uncertain financial situation
And not only is the relationship with the judiciary and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution difficult, the financial situation is also very uncertain, a DERAD board member explains. Despite announcements, there is no question of a long-term contract, and he no longer expects one: “I think it will drag on and get worse.”
Because all services provided by DERAD are billed on a fee basis. In addition to accommodating people in custody for membership of a terrorist organization – such as 18-year-old Ali K. – this also includes people on a voluntary basis, for example when educators or parents contact the association. Basic financing is also not available. In Vienna, the Ministry of Justice pays for a two-room office; in the states they depend on the help of other related organizations so that they do not have to hold customer meetings in a coffee house.
The Department of Justice says approximately 80 percent of DERAD’s services are provided in prison, while 20 percent involve services and interviews during post-parole probation. And further: “With regard to the general procurement of external deradicalization services, to the extent that they are required through the service portfolio of the prison’s internal specialized services, a tender for the services is being prepared via Bundesbesourcing GmbH to guarantee the long term. term financing and quality standards.” Translated: DERAD can probably hope for long-term financial support for a long time.
According to DERAD, what is actually paid depends on the prison or judge in question. In some prisons, only the time spent talking to the client is counted as working time, and not the process or preparation. Some judges also do not accept the “aftercare” that DERAD provides. Because then the employees would fill in units on a voluntary basis.
No collaboration with DSN
From the perspective of the deradicalization association, the relationship with the Office for the Protection of the Constitution could also be improved. While officials from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution used to regularly participate in DERAD seminars, with the new DSN there is no longer such cooperation. The Ministry of the Interior confirms that “DERAD is only represented in the BNED (National Network for Extremism Prevention and Deradicalization) and is otherwise only included at the request of the judicial authorities.” What works well, however, is the cooperation with the State Office for State Security and Combating Extremism in Vienna.
The fact that DERAD even became aware of its renewed radical ideas was only the case because “the client now seems to have more confidence in DERAD,” the association states in a report. This is evident, for example, from the fact that he reported to his manager about “incidental” matters and misconduct by people in his circle of friends.
Are the authorities acting negligently?
DERAD’s financial situation remains precarious. Despite criticism of the lack of funding after the attack in November 2020, the situation does not appear to have improved. Until the publication of this article, the media office of the Regional Criminal Court in Vienna did not respond to krone.at’s request for comment.
Whether the authorities act negligently or even underestimate the risks remains questionable when it comes to the sustainability of the deradicalization work. After all, what use is the cooperation of numerous authorities if ultimately not everyone puts their weight behind it? This creates the breeding ground for further attacks.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
